Twin Labor and Delivery

Every birth is different whether you are having twins or just one
baby. Though a cesarean section (c-section) is more common with multiple
pregnancies, many women expecting twins have a perfectly natural birth.

If you are writing a birth plan, it’s a great idea to plan for both as anything can happen with your twin labor and delivery.

The location for the delivery of your twins is most likely to be
in hospital, this is due to complications that can arise. Some women
when all is favorable have been known to have a planned home birth for
their twin babies.

Vaginal Birth vs. Cesarean Section

Cesarean section
verses a vaginal birth really depends on the presentation of your babies, any complications during pregnancy and/or labor, like high blood
pressure. Averagely 50% of multiples are born naturally (vaginal birth)
and the other 50% via c-section.

If your twin babies are positioned beautifully with both heads
down (known as the vertex position), there is every reason a natural
birth is possible. When the leading twin is head down and the other is
breech (feet first) or transverse (sideways) a natural birth can be
possible. A your doctor can turn the second baby by pushing on your
uterus, though this can be difficult a cesarean section may need to
proceed.

Twins are recommended to be delivered by the 38th week, if the
pregnancy goes much further the placenta may start to diminish with
terrible outcomes. Usually an induction or c-section will be scheduled.

It is important to always talk with your physician with any questions and concerns you may have.

Natural Childbirth of Twins – Labor and Delivery

Labor and Delivery – Stage 1

The first stage of labor is when your contractions
start and is the longest stage in giving birth. These are working to
soften then open your cervix (dilating) this may last for hour’s or even
days, especially if this is your first pregnancy. The first thing to
remember is not to panic when things start to happen and to contact your
doctor or midwife.

First stage of labor has three phases these include Early Labor, Active Labor and the Transition Phase.

Early Labor – where the
cervix gradually thins out and starts to dilate (begins to open). Often
this will start with a bloody show and period like pains as your cervix
starts to stretch. This stage can be painful but if you are able to talk
through your contraction then you are still in early labor.
A warm bath can ease the pain also a massage from your birthing
partner can be of great help. When contracting try leaning on a wall
with your forearms, positioning your feet apart then rock your hips side
to side, don’t forget to breathe. This will ease the pain and make
those contractions work at their very best to thin and open your cervix.

Active Labor – This is
when the contractions become stronger, lasting longer and happening more
frequently. Contractions will go from about 10 minutes apart lasting 30
– 40 seconds then to every five minutes lasting about 1 minute
sometimes progressing to 2 – 3 minutes apart. Contracting will continue
until you are dilated to 10cm. During this stage your cervix will be
dilating more quickly and you will not be able to talk at all during
each contraction.

How to Cope:

Many women find relaxation and visualization techniques helpful, stress and tension only makes it more painful.

Having a supportive labor partner can help you keep focused.

If suffering from back pain, a massage can be beneficial or even a heat/cold pack.

Labor pain medications
like epidural can be requested, many obstetricians recommend women
having twins to have an epidural in the event a cesarean section is
necessary.

If you feel the need for pain relief don’t be afraid to ask
for it. Many women feel like they have failed if medication has been
taken, especially if they had planned not too. It is tough delivering
your baby twins, maybe even the hardest thing you will ever do, but
absolutely one of the most important and special moments a mother can have, meeting her twin babies.

The Transition Phase – Your
labor contractions will be extremely intense at this stage, thankfully
it’s also the shortest part lasting anywhere from ½ hr – 2 hours. Your
cervix is nearly there with about 3 centimeters left before you reach
10cm, your goal. Twin A will be descending into the birth canal and
getting ready to be born. Try to stay focused, calm and don’t forget to
breath. Your babies are on their way and are nearly ready to come into
the world.

Labor and Delivery – Stage 2

Stage two is the delivery of your twins, delivering two babies is
much the same as with one, the difference being pushing two babies out.

As your uterus contracts your baby moves down the birth canal
this is a great time to push. To push with every contraction will help
move those babies down; if you have had an epidural labor will last
longer as you are unable to feel anything making it harder to push. Find
a comfortable position for you to bare down. During this stage the
contractions could seem more bearable, try to focus on pushing during
each contraction.

It is important to listen to your physician when pushing, they
will let you know when to stop or start pushing and how hard, this could
help with possible tearing.

Once baby twin A has been delivered routine checks will be done
and you will be getting ready for baby twin B. The amount of time
between the deliveries of your twins varies women to women.

Labor and Delivery – Stage 3

The final stage is delivering your placenta(s). You will notice a few
contractions, usually nothing compared to the hard labor ones. This is
when the placenta(s) are dethatching form the wall of your uterus. I few
little pushes and the placenta(s) is delivered.

Remember the labor and delivery of your twins is an experience like no other, everyone is different.

It is always important to contact your physician with any concerns and questions you may have.

You're Expecting Twins!
Providing Useful Advice And Information From Pre-natal To Post-natal Is
The Purpose Of This Guidebook For Mothers Expecting Twins. A Complete
Reference And Resource Guide For Parents Expecting Twins Or Multiples.